The Collaborative Assessment and Planning for Achievement (CAPA) initiative is a partnership among the N. J. Department of Education (DOE), schools, districts and local educators designed to empower schools and districts to go beyond current efforts to improve student achievement. The program strives to pinpoint obstacles to student achievement, identify needs and develop solutions to improve school performance.

CAPA is a four-day process that targets Title I schools in improvement status as defined under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). During a CAPA visit, a team of six to seven experienced educators, district and school staff, representatives from higher education and DOE staff conduct a review of the school using CAPA Indicators and essential questions.
During the visit, the team analyzes data; reviews the school’s NCLB Unified Plan; conducts interviews; makes classroom visitations; and gathers and analyzes data. A draft of the school report of findings and recommendations is discussed with district and school leadership staff. Based on this collaborative effort, an action plan is developed